What is an example of an arbitrary mark?

Study for the USPTO Trademark Application and Registration Test. Familiarize yourself with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each accompanied by hints and detailed explanations. Prepare confidently for your exam!

An arbitrary mark is a type of trademark that uses a common word or term in a way that is unrelated or disconnected from the products or services it represents. In this context, "Apple® for computers" serves as a prime example of an arbitrary mark. The word "apple" is commonly associated with the fruit, but when it is used to brand computers, it does not suggest any inherent relationship between the name and the product. This disconnection allows for stronger protection under trademark law, as it is more distinctive and less likely to be confused with other similar products.

In contrast, the other options demonstrate different types of marks. "Pepsi® for soft drinks" is a suggestive mark because it implies a certain flavor or sensation associated with the drink, while "Mango® for fruit" is descriptive since it directly describes the product being offered. "Google® for search engines," while iconic, is based on a coined term that has become strongly associated with its services through extensive use and marketing, making it more of an invented or fanciful mark rather than an arbitrary one. Therefore, "Apple® for computers" is the accurate example of an arbitrary mark due to its lack of direct association with the product it represents.

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